Ocean Sentinels - Inspiring Change Through Art

BACKGROUND 

Ocean Sentinels is a captivating series of underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, which blend human figures and marine elements to symbolise the fusion of art and science. 

Each sculpture showcases a renowned marine scientist or conservationist, highlighting their significant contributions to reef protection. With their surfaces intentionally designed to attract marine life, the sculptures are expected to transform over time as corals, sponges, and hydroids colonise them, mirroring the reef's dynamic nature.  

These sculptures serve as an educational gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, underscoring its historical significance and the vital role played by leading marine science institutions. 

THE EXHIBIT 

The Ocean Sentinels exhibit is being offered to Australian venues free of charge, and consists of the following artwork and supporting materials:  

- Eight 3D printed copies of the Ocean Sentinels each about 65 cm high, with the option to light the sculptures up from the inside. All are mounted on easily assembled wooden pedestals measuring 110cm high.  

- Two 200 x 120 cm pull-up banners with supporting information that links to dedicated website pages for each Ocean Sentinel.

- A range of supporting promotional and educational materials. 

“[MOUA IS] A LIVING PIECE OF ART THAT COMMUNICATES TO THE PEOPLE HOW IMPORTANT RESEARCH IS, HOW IMPORTANT CORAL REEFS ARE, AND HOW ALL THESE ASPECTS – ART, SCIENCE, HUMANITY – CAN COME TOGETHER TO PROTECT THE REEF.” 

           - Dr Katharina Fabricius, Ocean Sentinel 

LOGISTICS 

The Ocean Sentinels exhibit is offered free of charge under the following conditions.

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) will provide all artwork and supporting materials to the host venue completely free of charge as long as:

- The host venue shares the costs for shipping the exhibition material to and from the venue (approx. $1,0000-$2,000) and back to MOUA in Townsville QLD, or the to the next hosting venue somewhere in Australia.

- The host venue provides storage for the exhibition material for a reasonable amount of time until everything can be shipped to the next venue (packed down everything fits into the back of a small van or two large 4WDs so about one corner somewhere stacked high under the ceiling). 

- Venues are free to charge an entry fee for the exhibit or ask for donations, however if doing so we kindly ask that a portion of the raised funds is forwarded to MOUA, the Museum of Underwater Art Ltd (ABN 30 624 327 224), a registered Australian charity (DGR 1/4), to help support this program and our mission.